Search Results (1,415)

Nanofiber scaffolds play a crucial role in bioengineering by providing structural support for tissue and organoid growth. For composite nanofibers, optimizing their properties for specific applications often requires analyzing the spatial distribution of their chemical structure. This review focuses on the applications of Raman hyperspectral imaging to the mapping of the chemical composition of nanofibers. While the technique is diffraction-limited to the size of the scanning beam, it is possible to decipher the nanoscale features of these fibers by employing oversampling during scanning. Subsequently, these oversampled data can be analyzed by a singular-value decomposition (SVD) analysis and classical least-squares (CLS) decomposition. In many cases, this technique is essential for verifying the spatial distribution of different chemical components within multi-component nanofibers. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely studied as natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in food systems. However, their high volatility, low water solubility, instability, phytotoxicity, and strong aroma often limit their consistent applicability for food preservation. This review critically examines the literature and synthesizes current essential oil stabilization and delivery strategies in food systems, integrated with a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature published before June 2025. The bibliometric findings showed an expanding research field, supported by 543 authors and 54 journals, revealing the disciplinary diversity of research on essential oil-based preservation systems. In addition, the review highlights a significant focus of studies on nanoemulsions, encapsulation, and active packaging in essential oil applications. Interestingly, the study also reveals the emergence of non-contact, or vapor-phase, technologies with improved release management. Furthermore, the review shows that essential oils’ functionality depends not only on major bioactive compounds but also on chemical class, oxidative sensitivity, release behavior, interactions with the food matrix, and the delivery platform. Mechanistically, stabilization technologies such as emulsions, encapsulation, and coatings/films can improve the protection, dispersion, and release of essential oils; however, their effectiveness strongly relies on formulation variables, matrix composition, and the regulatory framework. Emerging platforms such as nanofibers, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks offer promising routes for vapor-phase or non-contact delivery systems, ensuring improved release control, functionality, and sensory quality, but may be limited by their scalability and production cost. However, a major research gap identified by this review is the imbalance between extensive “in vitro” studies and limited studies on real food matrices, which impedes understanding of the impacts of food matrices and packaging materials on essential oil release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and sensory quality. Therefore, future research should integrate real-food applications, consumer acceptability, shelf-life performance, release-kinetic modeling, and techno-economic analysis to advance essential-oil-based technologies in food systems. Full article

The corrosion of metal components leads to substantial economic losses and poses serious safety hazards. While organic coatings are regarded as an effective countermeasure, conventional epoxy resins (EPs) often exhibit high brittleness and insufficient corrosion resistance after curing. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel modification strategy. A multilayer graphene-reinforced epoxy composite coating was fabricated via a layer-by-layer spraying process, employing uniformly dispersed modified aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and low-defect graphene as functional fillers. Polydopamine (PDA) was utilized to improve the dispersion of graphene oxide (GO), mitigate defect-associated permeation pathways, and enhance the interfacial bonding between the graphene layer and the epoxy matrix, thereby ensuring coating integrity. Tannic acid (TA) effectively improves the dispersion of ANF within the epoxy, preventing stress concentration. The corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the composite coating were systematically evaluated. Results demonstrate that the coating achieves a low-frequency impedance of 1.98 × 10¹⁰ Ω·cm². With the incorporation of 0.05% TA-modified ANFs, the elongation at break increases to 68.79%, and the impact resistance is significantly enhanced, with the impact height reaching 50 cm. The composite coating preparation strategy in this work offers a novel approach for constructing multifunctional composite coatings, demonstrating broad application prospects. Full article

Dynamic interactions among cells, including immune cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, are involved in the wound healing process. In chronic wounds, particularly diabetic wounds, these interactions are hampered by prolonged inflammation and excessive reactive oxygen species generation by dysregulated immune cells, bacterial infection, and impaired angiogenesis. These pathological features have shifted the therapeutic strategies from wound coverage and antimicrobial protection toward regulation of the immune microenvironment. Polymeric and hybrid materials have emerged as promising platforms for this purpose because their versatile composition, structure, degradation behavior, mechanical properties, and drug loading capacities can be widely engineered to match the dynamic requirements of wound healing, particularly in immunomodulation strategies. In this review, we focus on the major immunological barriers and potential targets in the wound healing process using polymer-based materials. Overall, this review covers recent advances, design strategies, and challenges in immunomodulatory materials including polymer-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, hydrogels, and hybrid materials for wound repair. Full article

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit involving follicular hyperkeratinization, altered sebum production, Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, microbiome imbalance, and immune activation. Although antibiotics, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and keratolytic agents remain central to clinical management, their long-term use may be limited by irritation, recurrence, adherence issues, and increasing antimicrobial resistance. This narrative review critically evaluates the dermatological relevance of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree essential oil (TTEO), Mentha piperita peppermint essential oil (PPEO), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), as well as their incorporation into biopolymeric delivery systems for acne-oriented topical applications. Following SANRA principles, evidence from clinical, preclinical, ex vivo, and in vitro studies was synthesized, with emphasis on antimicrobial activity, inflammatory modulation, keratolytic and barrier-supportive effects, formulation stability, and release behavior. TTEO shows the strongest clinical support among the reviewed natural bioactives, including reductions in lesion counts and acne severity when applied as conventional or nanoemulsion-based formulations. PPEO is mainly supported by experimental evidence, particularly antimicrobial activity against acne-associated microorganisms, anti-inflammatory potential, and menthol-related neurocutaneous effects, whereas acne-specific clinical validation remains limited. PHAs, particularly gluconolactone, are better supported for barrier improvement, hydration, tolerability, and seboregulation than for direct acne lesion reduction. Hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, polymeric films, nanoencapsulation systems, and controlled-release platforms may improve local retention, protect volatile or irritation-prone compounds, and modulate active release at the skin surface. However, most biopolymeric platforms still rely on early-stage or indirect dermatological evidence. Overall, biopolymeric delivery systems offer a rational formulation strategy to improve the stability, tolerability, and localized action of selected acne-relevant bioactives, but their clinical translation requires standardized composition, reproducible fabrication, skin-relevant release assays, safety assessment, and controlled human studies. Full article

Probiotics can promote gut health, but their efficacy is often limited by low viability and metabolic activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study aimed to develop protective hydrogels for encapsulating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CJLP 133 using a composite matrix of sodium alginate (SA) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). L. plantarum CJLP 133-loaded hydrogel beads were fabricated via the ionic gelation technique using an optimized formulation of SA and CNF. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that CNF integration improved spherical morphology with reduced surface cracking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between SA and CNF. CNF integration also reduced gumminess and chewiness, resulting in a softer texture. The survival rate of L. plantarum CJLP 133 remained high following thermal exposure and freeze-drying. The in vitro GI delivery system demonstrated a protective swelling profile in stimulated gastric fluid and a targeted, highly efficient release profile in stimulated intestinal fluid. Finally, the 3% SA + 0.5% CNF hydrogel with L. plantarum CJLP 133 exhibited significant synbiotic effects, enhancing probiotic growth, intestinal adhesion, and butyrate and succinate production. These results suggest that the SA/CNF-based hydrogel is an effective delivery system that ensures the targeted release of probiotics within the GI tract. Full article

This study investigates the mechanical performance, high-temperature resistance, and microstructural characteristics of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based geopolymer composites reinforced with boron nitride (BN)-modified hemp nanofibers. BN-modified hemp nanofibers (PVA-mBN/Hemp) were produced via electrospinning and incorporated into geopolymer mixtures at varying ratios ranging from 0 to 4 wt%. The effects of nanofiber content on composite properties were evaluated through mechanical testing, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) measurements, and exposure to elevated temperatures (300–1200 °C), supported by SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The results indicate that low nanofiber additions (0.5–1 wt%) improve flexural strength by up to 15%, although compressive strength is slightly reduced due to increased porosity. UPV measurements confirm the changes in internal structure. At elevated temperatures, nanofiber-reinforced samples exhibit enhanced residual strength compared to the control specimens, particularly at moderate temperatures, whereas significant degradation occurs above 900 °C. Microstructural analyses reveal improved fiber-matrix interaction, reduced crack propagation, and enhanced thermal stability attributed to BN modification. Overall, the incorporation of 0.5–1 wt% BN-modified hemp nanofibers provides an effective balance between mechanical performance and high-temperature resistance, highlighting their potential for use in sustainable and fire-resistant construction materials. This study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Full article

To improve the durability of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic shielding materials in atomic oxygen environments relevant to low Earth orbit (LEO), two MXene/para-aramid nanofiber (ANF) composite architectures were designed, including a uniformly blended structure and a sandwich configuration. Ti₃C₂T_x MXene was used as the conductive phase, while ANF served as a protective matrix. Oxygen plasma treatment was employed to simulate atomic oxygen exposure. The results show that the plasma resistance of blended films strongly depends on MXene content. Increasing the MXene fraction enhances conductive network redundancy and reduces conductivity degradation. In contrast, the sandwich-structured film exhibits superior structural stability. The outer ANF layers effectively limit direct plasma–MXene interaction and undergo surface carbonization during plasma exposure, forming an additional diffusion barrier. As a result, the sandwich film maintains stable THz shielding performance, with the average shielding effectiveness increasing from 42.6 dB to 44.9 dB after plasma treatment. These results indicate that structural regulation of the internal conductive network, which limits plasma penetration, is essential for maintaining stable MXene-based THz shielding performance under oxidative plasma conditions. Full article

Electrospun composites are desirable materials for drug delivery applications. Regarding microbial infections as a case study, the antibacterial effect is enhanced by physical attributes of electrospun meshes, namely, a high surface area-to-volume ratio and porosity, 3D topography, and customized surface functions. Beyond mimicking nanostructured fibers, the delivery of antibiotics from such composites enhances antibacterial efficacy, sustained release kinetics, and reduced wound infection while minimizing side effects. Concern over antibiotic resistance and the insufficient availability of pharmaceutical agents for effective infection treatment is increasing worldwide. A significant number of publications have reported the fabrication of electrospun composites to mitigate bacterial pathogenesis. However, from a structural and morphological perspective, the implications of electrospinning approaches for antibiotic delivery have not been reviewed. This proposal presents a comparative study of the different assemblies induced by electrospinning, enabling the development of platforms for administering antibacterial agents. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the considerations involved in electrospinning-based manufacturing of drug delivery systems and antibiotic loading, ensuring a thorough design process that accounts for composite processability, monitoring methods for kinetic behavior analysis and modeling, and biological considerations for pre-clinical in vitro characterization. Full article

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogels suffer from insufficient mechanical strength, while aramid nanofibers (ANF) have intrinsic insulation that limits their sensing applications, and the synergistic effect of composite fillers remains underexplored. This study aims to develop a multifunctional PVA/ANF/NaCl composite organohydrogel for high-performance flexible sensors. The gel was fabricated via freeze–thaw crosslinking, solvent exchange and NaCl impregnation, with systematic investigations of its microstructure, mechanical, electrical and multifunctional sensing properties, and a corresponding triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and self-powered handwriting recognition system were constructed. Results show that 2% ANF significantly enhances the gel’s mechanical performance, 0.5 M NaCl achieves optimal mechanical-electrical balance, the gel-based sensor exhibits excellent distance, pressure and strain sensing with high cyclic stability, the TENG delivers stable electrical output, and the recognition system achieves 95% accuracy on the test set. This work provides a new material and design strategy for advanced flexible electronic devices. Full article

This study presents the rational design of a visible-light-responsive TiO₂/polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber heterostructure via in situ oxidative polymerization to overcome the limited visible-light absorption and rapid charge recombination of TiO₂. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM, UV–Vis DRS, and EIS confirmed the successful integration of TiO₂ nanoparticles within a conductive polyaniline nanofiber network, enabling efficient interfacial charge transfer. The optimized TiO₂/PANI-30 composite exhibited outstanding photocatalytic performance, achieving ~99% degradation of Basic Fuchsin dye within 40 min under visible light, significantly outperforming pristine TiO₂. The enhanced activity is attributed to improved visible-light absorption, reduced bandgap energy, and suppressed electron–hole recombination, supported by optical and electrochemical analyses. Kinetic studies indicated pseudo-first-order behavior, with TiO₂/PANI-30 showing the highest rate constant. Radical trapping experiments identified superoxide and hydroxyl radicals as the main active species, with •OH playing a dominant role. A direct Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism was suggested, preserving strong redox potentials and promoting reactive oxygen species generation. Additionally, the photocatalyst demonstrated excellent stability and reusability. These findings highlight the suggested potential of TiO₂/PANI systems as efficient and sustainable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a native non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix, has emerged as a central biomaterial in tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility, hydration capacity, and receptor-mediated bioactivity. Beyond its structural role, HA actively regulates cellular behaviors through interactions with receptors such as CD44 and RHAMM, with outcomes highly dependent on molecular weight, degradation state, and matrix context. Recent advances in chemical modification and crosslinking strategies have enabled the development of HA-based hydrogels, nanofibers, and composite systems with tunable mechanics and degradation profiles, supporting applications in bone, cartilage, vascular, and skin regeneration, as well as in emerging platforms such as 3D bioprinting and nanomedicine. However, inconsistent biological responses and limited clinical translation remain key challenges. This review integrates current understanding of HA synthesis, physicochemical properties, degradation, and receptor-mediated signaling, and establishes a mechanistic framework linking molecular characteristics, matrix mechanics, and cell responses. Building on this framework, we outline design strategies for multifunctional HA composites, advanced biofabrication approaches, and receptor-targeted systems, providing a basis for the rational engineering of next-generation HA-based biomaterials with improved translational potential. Full article

This study developed high-performance, biodegradable nanocomposites from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with nanocellulose derived from the invasive Nile rose plant (NR). Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were successfully extracted using maleic anhydride treatment, yielding nanofibers with an average diameter of 20.81 nm and a high negative surface charge of −40.7 mV, indicating effective functionalization. The synergistic effect of incorporating 7.5% CNF and applying 50 kGy gamma irradiation dramatically enhanced the composite properties, resulting in a 64.01% improvement in tensile strength compared to neat PVA. The crosslinked network significantly increased hydrophobicity, with the water contact angle rising from 60.95° to 106.40°, and reduced moisture absorption. Optical characterization demonstrated excellent UV-shielding capabilities, maintaining a visible light transmittance of 66.6% at 800 nm, while thermal analysis confirmed enhanced stability against high-temperature degradation. These findings suggest that the developed nanocomposites are promising candidates for advanced protective packaging applications where UV shielding and moisture resistance are critical. Full article

Chronic cutaneous wounds and traumatic skin injuries remain a major clinical challenge, characterized by dysregulated healing phases, high susceptibility to microbial infection, and suboptimal response to conventional therapies. Stem cell-derived exosomes (SC-Exos) have emerged as a paradigm-shifting, cell-free nanotherapeutic platform that harnesses the paracrine secretome of stem cells while avoiding the immunological and proliferative complications inherent to direct cell transplantation. Exosomes derived from diverse stem cell sources orchestrate multifactorial wound repair by modulating key cellular signaling cascades and transcriptomic programs that collectively regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and scar formation. Beyond their intrinsic regenerative capacity, SC Exos can be engineered using direct strategies (cargo loading, surface modification, biomaterial integration, and conjugation) and indirect approaches (genetic engineering, pretreatment, and preconditioning of parental cells), thereby enabling spatially controlled and temporally sustained exosome release at wound sites with enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In parallel, biomaterial-assisted delivery platforms, including hydrogels, scaffolds, and nanofibers, enhance exosome retention, stability, and controlled-release profiles within the wound microenvironment, thereby further potentiating tissue repair. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in SC Exos for wound healing and skin regeneration. We first summarize exosome biogenesis, molecular composition, and the distinctive characteristics of exosomes derived from different stem cell sources, along with preclinical evidence supporting their efficacy in cutaneous repair. We then critically examine exosome engineering strategies and biomaterial-integrated delivery systems that augment and fine-tune therapeutic outcomes. Finally, we discuss the current status of clinical trials of SC Exo-based therapies, key manufacturing and regulatory challenges, and future directions for translating these nanoscale, cell-free therapeutics into advanced, personalized wound management. Full article

Cyclic pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics, phenols and VOCs in water and atmosphere feature stable structures and are difficult to mineralize, which constitutes the core problem in current environmental governance. Semiconductor photocatalysis provides a green strategy for the advanced treatment of such pollutants. Electrospun black TiO₂/Ag-loaded SiO₂ nanofiber membranes have become a research hotspot owing to their multi-component synergistic advantages. This paper systematically reviews the preparation processes and structure regulation methods of electrospun SiO₂ nanofiber membranes; expounds the loading strategies of black TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticles, the interface regulation mechanisms and the synergistic photocatalytic mechanism of the ternary composite system; summarizes the application progress in the degradation of cyclic pollutants in water and atmospheric VOCs; and emphatically analyzes the performance characteristics and key issues in the ring-opening degradation of cyclic pollutants. Studies show that the high specific surface area and porous structure of SiO₂ nanofiber membranes offer excellent support for catalytic reactions. In addition, black TiO₂ achieves a full-spectrum response through defect engineering; the SPR effect and Schottky barrier of Ag significantly improve carrier separation efficiency; and the synergistic effect of the three components enhances the adsorption–catalytic degradation capacity. Current challenges remain in ring-opening efficiency and stability, requiring multi-method breakthroughs to overcome bottlenecks, clarify mechanisms and promote engineering applications. This paper provides theoretical references for the development of high-performance fiber-based photocatalytic materials and lays a foundation for the practical application of electrospun inorganic nanofiber membranes in the field of environmental catalysis. Full article